with asean nations expecting negotiating with china, a legal binding code of conduct for the south china sea, it's essential for vietnam that all the member countries act in unity. hanoi is likely to deepen cooperation within asean on various levels in aid to keep china in check. akiko ichihara, nhk world, hanoi. >>> and next in remote parts of western thailand, local people depend on river water for many aspects of daily life. but serious pollution in one village has caused sickness and even death. the children of the village recently took to the stage in bangkok to share their tragic story. nhk world has more. ♪ >> reporter: these ethnic children are acting out in their village at an art center in bangkok. the 15-minute performance contains a serious message about threats to thaila's natural environme environment. >> translator: it made me realize that it's a very serious problem. lead pollution has caused massive damage to those children and their village. in the remote village of klity, this creek is the lifeline. for centuries, villages have used its water for drinking, cooking, f